Roberto Firmino is quickly becoming a Kop favourite after an incredible start to the season – and his stats prove why he is so important to Jurgen Klopp

Brazilian's two goals against Leicester means no Reds player has scored more goals since Klopp has taken over at Anfield

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BY Richard Forrester

13th September 2016, 11:58 am

Updated: 13th September 2016, 12:22 pm

AS Anfield unveiled its new impressive Main Stand in front of a 54,000 sell-out crowd on Saturday, the biggest crowd since 1977 also witnessed Roberto Firmino at his very best.

The likes of Daniel Sturridge, Philippe Coutinho and Adam Lallana are all capable of getting Red supporters off their seats but Firmino is quickly becoming a crowd favourite at Liverpool having started the season in sensational form.

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Roberto Firmino scored twice in a stunning performance against Leicester

He has scored more Liverpool goals than any other player since Jurgen Klopp took charge

Firmino joined Liverpool in a £29million deal from Hoffenheim last summer and like many foreign players recently joining the Premier League, struggled to make an impact during the first half of the campaign.

Just 12 months ago, the 24-year-old was hooked off after 65 minutes in a 3-1 defeat to Manchester United having failed to impress under Brendan Rodgers.

He has also created the highest number of chances in the Premier League this season with 14.

Liverpool have played more passes than any other top flight team this season with 2,365 and Firmino has contributed more key passes per game (3.5) than any other team-mate according to WhoScored stats.

Although he has yet to assist this campaign, Firmino's seven last season was only bettered by James Milner.

One criticism of Firmino is that he doesn't boast great pace but he makes up for it with his unique intelligence on the pitch.

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Firmino is one the first names on the team-sheet under Klopp

His ability to find space comes naturally which was evident during his first goal against the Foxes.

Firmino exploited a small gap between the two centre backs before taking one touch to fire past Kasper Schmeichel.

His exclusion from Brazil's Copa America squad this summer meant Firmino had his first full pre-season at Liverpool and it is certainly paying dividends.